Cusco to the Manu Cloud Forest and Pilcopata Lodge – Gateway to the Amazon

Morning Departure from Cusco: Begin your adventure in Manu with an early departure from Cusco (3,300 m.a.s.l.) in a comfortable vehicle.
Andean Landscapes and Pre-Inca History: Travel through picturesque Andean valleys, stopping to explore the ancient chullpas of Ninamarca (pre-Inca funerary towers of the Lupaca culture).
Colonial Charm of Paucartambo: Enjoy breakfast in the charming colonial town of Paucartambo, a significant cultural stop before heading into the jungle.
Acjanaco Pass and Cloud Forest Immersion: Ascend to the entrance of Acjanaco National Park, the gateway to Manu. Descend to the impressive Manu Cloud Forest (1,700 meters above sea level), a key point for endemic species.
Wildlife and Bird Watching: Lunch in the middle of the cloud forest, known for sightings of the elusive Spectacled Bear and the iconic Cock-of-the-Rock (Peru’s national bird) performing their vibrant courtship ritual. Observe orchids, bromeliads and diverse flora.

Arrival at Pilcopata Lodge: Continue your panoramic journey to our comfortable Pilcopata Lodge (600 meters above sea level) for your first night, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Pilcopata Lodge to Manu Lodge and Lake Machuwasi – River and Jungle Exploration

Jungle Walk and Optional Experiences: After an early breakfast, we will take an invigorating walk through the jungle to spot monkeys and a variety of birds. Optionally, visit a local coca plantation or wildlife rescue center.
Boat trip along the Alto Madre de Dios River: Travel to Puerto Atalaya (500 meters above sea level) and begin your picturesque descent by motorized boat down the Alto Madre de Dios River. Enjoy unparalleled bird watching opportunities, spotting herons, vultures and cormorants.
Arrival at Manu Lodge: Arrive at our riverside Manu Lodge where you can relax, swim in the river and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Lake Machuwasi Rafting and Capybara Watching: In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Lake Machuwasi by raft. Look for the unique and prehistoric bird, the Hoatzin, and with luck, find capybaras and several species of monkeys.
Overnight at Manu Lodge: Return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy a restful night amidst the sounds of the jungle.

Manu Lodge, Parrot Lick and Zipline Adventure – Fauna and Adrenaline

Macaw Clay Lick Show: We will begin with an early morning boat trip (40 minutes) to a vibrant parrot and macaw clay lick. Witness hundreds of colorful parrots, including blue-headed parrots, white-eyed parakeets and chestnut-fronted macaws, gathering to consume mineral-rich clay essential for their digestion.
Breakfast and Forest Walk: Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, we will begin with a 2 to 3 hour guided walk through the dense jungle, discovering diverse flora and fauna with your expert naturalist guide.
Optional Zipline Adventure (Canopy Zipline): After lunch and relaxation, take the opportunity for an exciting zipline experience in the Amazon! Fly through the jungle canopy, enjoying a unique aerial view of the rainforest, then rappel 20 meters to the forest floor. All equipment is high quality and safe.
Night Jungle Walk: As night falls, embark on an exciting night walk through the forest, searching for nocturnal insects, amphibians and other elusive creatures.
Dinner and Overnight at Manu Lodge: Conclude your day with dinner and another night at the comfortable Manu Lodge.

Manu Lodge to Atalaya and Return to Cusco – Farewell to the Amazon

Hummingbird Sanctuary and Departure: Enjoy one last delicious breakfast at the lodge, observing the vibrant hummingbirds that frequent the surroundings.
Boat trip to Puerto Atalaya: Board your boat for a scenic 40-minute ride upriver back to Puerto Atalaya.
Scenic Trip to Cusco: Our private bus will be waiting to transport you back to Cusco. Enjoy lunch en route through the beautiful cloud forest, reflecting on your incredible expedition to the Manu jungle.
Arrival in Cusco: Arrive back in Cusco between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, filled with memories of your extraordinary adventure in the Peruvian Amazon.

The tour includes:

1. Bilingual guide in English and Spanish with Telescope
2. Transportation (bus and boat)
3. Cook
4. Three meals a day (vegetarian option included)
5. Mineral water
6. Accommodation in lodges, one night in a hideout.
7. Snacks (fruits, candies, juices and cookies)
8. Rubber boots
9. Entrance fees to all ponds or lakes
10. Entrance to Manu National Park
11. Entrance fees to all private nature reserves
12. First aid kit

NOT included:

1. Travel Insurance
2. First Breakfast
3. Mineral water on the first day
4. Last Supper
5. Alcoholic drinks
6. Tips

BRING:

1. Repellent with a minimum of 30% DEET
2. Binoculars/Binoculars (if you want your own pair)
3. Camera with spare batteries
4. Flashlight with
5. additional batteries
6. Sunscreen
7. Money
8. Backpack
9. Water bottle / cantinflora
10. Sandals
11. Shirts, socks
12. Light pants, shorts and suit/swimwear
13. Hat
14. toilet paper
15. Dark clothes (for hiking days)
16. converter/adapter for electricity (plugs are typically the 2 flat type found in the US)